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Established Camping

Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

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There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.

Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Rincon Campground, near Salida, Colorado, is a cozy spot that caters to both tent and RV campers looking for a simple outdoor experience. With eight basic tent sites, each equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table, it’s a straightforward place to set up camp and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

The campground offers stunning views of the Arkansas River, making it a great place for fishing or just soaking in the scenery. While some visitors noted the lack of shade and the proximity to Highway 50, which can bring some noise, many appreciated the well-kept sites and the chance to cool off in the river. One camper mentioned, “Really beautiful and well maintained spots,” highlighting the campground's charm despite its quirks.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Rincon Campground is conveniently located near various outdoor activities, including hiking and river sports. Just a short drive from Salida, you can easily access local dining and attractions after a day of exploring. Whether you’re stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, this campground offers a straightforward and scenic escape into nature.

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Location

Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Unlike most other Colorado State Parks, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) does not have one set of driving directions to get to the park. This is because the AHRA is actually a linear recreation area that follows the Arkansas River for 152 miles from the high mountains near Leadville, Colorado, to Lake Pueblo, on the edge of Colorado plains. There are a number of highways and roads entering the valley. Along the way, the AHRA has eight basic campgrounds, numerous picnic areas, fishing and boating access points and trail access. PLEASE NOTE: You _do not_ need to check in at the visitor center prior to your arrival if you are camping. You may go directly to the campground.

Address

307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201

Coordinates

38.47065965 N
105.86529897 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
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  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed May. 23, 2025

Nice

This is a lovely, well maintained campground next to the Arkansas River. There is a boat launch and vault toilets (clean). There are no frills, but it is a peaceful setting. The only real downside to us is the close proximity to the highway, which didn’t bother me but may annoy some. The tent sites are nice and picnic tables are clean and useable.

Site1203
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2025

Beautiful site but close to the highway

Really great pull through RV sites right in the river with nice level gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and tire rings with cooking grates. Boat ramp here too so it can get busy with people launching and recovering their river fishing boats and rafts.

Site1203
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Allen P., April 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Allen P., April 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Allen P., April 13, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

Small

Reservation Only 800-244-5613 cpwshop.com

8 basic tent campsites with a tent pad, f

Fire ring/grill, and table parking space for vehicles Pit toilets and two changing areas This campsite is very small but well kept. The main highway runs along side and might be a bit noisy. The road in and at the campsite is a gravel base. 

Directions: It is off Highway 50 about 8 miles east of Salida. Mile marker 231 between the towns of Swissvale and Howard. The turn is on the north side on a very curvy part of the highway.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., November 1, 2021
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., November 1, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2021

Great view of the Arkansas River. Probably best suited for RVs.

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 

Motorcycle tent camping along the river. This campground did not have much shade. Only one group table had a cover over it. Some shade trees along the river bank. Great views of the Arkansas River. Highway 50 close to this campground. It was noisy. All night long, cars would pull into the campground stoping at the restrooms and shining lights into my tent. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.

SiteSite, Loop: 1204HA, Rincon
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kenneth S., August 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kenneth S., August 11, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Nice spot but noisy

Really beautiful and well maintained spots. The road is right behind you so it’s good for one night. Went swimming in the river and it was glorious :)

  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kate R., September 28, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Beautiful location but...

We tent camped here in late September. Beautiful location with well-kept sites and bathrooms. However sites are close to the road and we could hear the traffic all night. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rincon Campground located in Colorado?

Rincon Campground is located along the Arkansas River in Colorado, within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The campground sits adjacent to Highway 50, offering beautiful riverside views with mountains in the background. Its positioning makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Arkansas River corridor, though the proximity to the highway means you'll hear some traffic noise during your stay.

What amenities are available at Rincon Campground?

Rincon Campground offers basic amenities including tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates. The campground features clean vault toilets and changing areas. There's a boat launch for river access, making it popular with rafters and anglers. The campground has pull-through RV sites with level gravel pads. However, be aware that the campground has limited shade trees, with most shade being along the riverbank.

Do I need reservations for Rincon Campground?

Yes, Rincon Campground operates on a reservation-only system. Reservations can be made by calling 800-244-5613 or through cpwshop.com. The campground has 8 basic campsites available. Due to its small size and popularity, especially during peak seasons, securing reservations well in advance is highly recommended to guarantee a spot.

How close is Rincon Campground to Salida, Colorado?

While specific distance information isn't provided, Rincon Campground is located relatively close to Salida, Colorado along Highway 50, which connects directly to the town. The campground's location on the Arkansas River makes it a convenient base for exploring Salida and its surrounding attractions. The drive is short enough that many campers use Rincon as their accommodation while visiting Salida for dining, shopping, or other activities.